Senior Cyber Operations Analyst

MITRE; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 129,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE is seeking an experienced Senior Cyber Analyst to lead high-visibility threat intelligence efforts supporting U.S. national security.

You will conduct crypto tracing, digital forensics, and attribution analyses, while monitoring dark web activity and delivering actionable threat reports. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, work closely with sponsor staff, and travel up to ~20% as needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or 3 years with a Master’s, or a PhD with relevant experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in cyber threat intelligence, crypto tracing, digital forensics, or related field.
• Active or eligibility for Top Secret clearance is required; prior government or military experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead threat intelligence analyses and report findings to stakeholders.
• Perform crypto tracing and blockchain analysis to identify illicit movements.
• Develop threat reports and briefings translating technical findings for executives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to strengthen security posture.
• Monitor dark web activity and identify trends and IoCs for risk assessments.
• Coordinate with sponsor staff and travel to sponsor sites as needed.

Skills

Threat intelligence

Crypto tracing

Digital forensics

Dark Web analysis

Threat attribution

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree in data science or cybersecurity

PhD with relevant experience

Tools

Maltego

Chainalysis

Palantir

ThreatConnect

OpenCTI

MISP

Job description

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We’re a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies – collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation’s health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose — and help shape the future.

MITRE is seeking an experienced Senior Cyber Analyst who will lead high-visibility/high-impact efforts that provide significant contributions to the safety and security of the United States. The position will work closely with sponsor staff and regularly engage with senior leaders to understand their priorities and shape work. Major focus areas include criminal network analysis and disruption, digital marketplaces, and transnational criminal organizations and associated activities. Additional areas of responsibility include cybercrime investigation improvement, cyber-mission systems engineering and guidance, system-of-system engineering, data engineering and analysis, experimentation, communications, and acquisition.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Conduct Threat Intelligence Analysis: Perform proactive research and analysis of current and emerging cyber threats, with an emphasis on understanding threat actor motivations, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
• Perform Crypto tracing and Blockchain Analysis: Analyze blockchain transactions to trace cryptocurrency movements associated with malicious activities, collaborating with law enforcement and internal teams to identify potential threat actors.
• Provide Attribution Analysis: Perform deep-dive analysis to identify threat actors, correlate various data sources, and leverage cyber threat intelligence databases to establish attribution.
• Monitor and Analyze Dark Web Activities: Regularly assess and monitor Dark Web forums, marketplaces, and communication channels to gather intelligence on cybercriminals and their operations.
• Develop Threat Reports and Briefings: Prepare comprehensive intelligence reports, briefings, and presentations that translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders.
• Collaborate Cross-functionally: Work with other analysts, engineers, and threat intelligence teams to integrate findings, contribute to investigations, and enhance overall security posture.
• Identify and Communicate Threat Trends: Proactively identify trends, vulnerabilities, and indicators of compromise (IoCs) to provide timely intelligence and risk assessments.
• Drive Problem-solving Initiatives: Seek out difficult problems within the cyber threat landscape and address them innovatively. Serve as a go-to expert when team members and stakeholders face challenging cybersecurity issues.

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with relevant experience who can immediately contribute at this job step; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in cyber threat intelligence, crypto tracing, digital forensics, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CEH, GCTI, GIAC) are a plus.
• Relevant prior military and/or law enforcement experience can be accepted in place of formal education and/or experience requirements.
• Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex datasets and draw meaningful insights. Ability to think critically, recognize patterns, and correlate disparate data points.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience in creating analytical reports, summaries, and visual presentations tailored to different audiences.
• Self-motivation: Must be a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, with a proven track record of working independently and tackling complex, novel problems.
• Collaborative Mindset: Demonstrated ability to work well within a team, share knowledge effectively, and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Maintain a presence at the Sponsor Site – Houston, TX
• Willingness to travel (up to ~20%)
• This position requires a Top-Secret Clearance be obtained and maintained
• Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements for a clearance, U.S. Citizenship is required.
• This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-site

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in data science, Cybersecurity, or related field with specialization in areas such as cryptocurrency analysis, blockchain forensics, or Dark Web intelligence.
• Experience with programming languages (e.g., Python, R) for data analysis and automation.
• Previous experience in monitoring and analyzing Dark Web forums and marketplaces.
• Familiarity with intelligence-sharing platforms like ThreatConnect, OpenCTI, or MISP.
• Experience with trusted AI or explainable AI techniques applied to cybersecurity and intelligence problems.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with tools and techniques used in threat intelligence, blockchain analysis, and open-source intelligence (OSINT), such as Maltego, Chainalysis, Palantir, or similar tools.
• Cryptocurrency Knowledge: Strong understanding of cryptocurrency concepts, blockchain technology, and the role of cryptocurrencies in cybercrime.
• Previous work experience in a classified environment, actively participating in cyber threat modeling, operational intelligence, or incident response.
• Previous work experience performing (or providing data science support to) targeting analysis for HUMINT, cyber, and/or kinetic operations.
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance is strongly preferred.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

Top Secret

Salary compensation range and midpoint:

$129,200 - $161,500 - $193,800 Annual

Work Location Type:

Onsite

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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